Thornton suspended 15 games for Orpik incident

NHL.com

Thornton suspended 15 games for Orpik incidentBoston forward Shawn Thornton has been suspended for 15 games, without pay, for an incident with Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

NEW YORK -- Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton has been suspended for 15 games, without pay, for punching an unsuspecting opponent, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik, and causing a serious injury during NHL Game No. 438 in Boston on Saturday, Dec. 7, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 11:06 of the first period. Thornton was assessed a match penalty for violating NHL Rule 46.15.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Thornton will forfeit $84,615.45. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.